Is this vehicle safe to buy?

What is a Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN)?

A vehicle indentification Number (VIN) is a unique set of digits that si made up of 17 characters (numbers and letters). A VIN is assigned to each vehicle, and a VIN check can be completed on any car.

Where to fin the VIN?

In the car

On the panel under the glass, on the rack at the front door, under the hood, etc.

In the documents

Your vehicle title and registration. Your insurance card.

Each DMV Vehicle History & Title Report checks for:

Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Total Loss

Open Lien Information

DMV Title Information

Odometer Records

Other Information

Salvage and Whole Car Auction History

Safety Recall from NHTSA and Manufacturers

Brand Glossary

Is this car safe to buy?

If you are purchasing a used car, a Vehicle History Report can make that purchase less risky. A VIN check will give you the complete history of your car, from recalls to any damages the vehicle may have endured.

Why do I need a Vehicle History Report?

A VIN check will ease your mind by allowing you to see if the vehicle in question has had any past accidents, title history, NHTSA recalls and more.

By learning about a cars history, you can determine whether the car still has original parts, or if it has been through trauma. Odometer fraud is also something to keep in mind. Sellers do have the ability to roll back odometer readings, which can mislead the buyer. A vehicle history report will give you current and historical mileage readings reported from many sources including NMVTIS, DMV title records, online vehicle listings, and more, to give you a timeline of the vehicle's odometer readings.

Is this car safe to buy?

If you are purchasing a used car, a Vehicle History Report can make that purchase less risky. A VIN check will give you the complete history of your car, from recalls to any damages the vehicle may have endured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i find my car's VIN information?

A VIN number records can be found on: The driver's side door, a sticker or a metal plate. The lower corner of the windshield, on the driver's side of the vehicle. Your vehicle title and registration. Your insurance card.

How do i get a vehicle history record?

You can download the most up-to-date vehicle records with DMV.com, or visit your local DMV. A comprehensive VIN history report will protect you from any foul play from a seller, such as: reversing the odometer, not disclosing previous repairs, or hiding accidents that may have damaged the frame or the vehicle.

How to sell your car with a VIN number check?

Preparing to sell your vehicle requires providing car info by VIN to potential buyers. Prospective buyers who obtain a VIN number report will get through information about the vehicle and it's condition. As a seller, you can then effectively address any question or concerns regarding the sale, and also get closer to your asking price.

What qualifies for a refund?

DMV.com stands behind the data provided & we provide refunds in the case of any error in title data is not correct as evidenced by a copy or proof of such data error from a state title document.

Why is my credit card showing a charge for a report that I did not receive?

If you ordered a report for a VIN for which no data was available you may see an authorization on your credit card for the amount of the report you requested. This is an authorization only & will be released by DMV.com within 24 hours. Hold times may vary by individual banks.

Is this a one-time charge?

Please be assured that the charges for a single or multiple Vehicle History & Title Reports are one-time charges. There are no monthly automatic charges or fees. You are only charged for the reports you specifically purchase.

Where does your vehicle data come from?

Vehicle history information comes from many sources including records on file from NMVTIS, state DMV, police records, fire & insurance records, data aggregators as well as many other proprietary sources.

What is NMVTIS?

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) was created through the Federal Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992, to help protect consumers from fraud & unsafe vehicles & to keep stolen vehicles from being resold.

Why did I receive the message 'No Data Available'?

You did not receive a report, & will not be charged, because DMV.com does not have enough information for the VIN you requested. You may see an authorization on your credit card for the amount of the report. This is an authorization only & will be released by DMV.com within 24 hours. Hold times may vary by individual banks.

What is the purpose of NMVTIS?

To learn more about The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), visit the NMVTIS vehiclehistory.gov website.

Who operates & manages NMVTIS?

The U.S. Department of Justice is responsible for oversight of the implementation & operation of NMVTIS, & works in partnership with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). AAMVA has been the operator since 1992. To learn more about NMVTIS visit the vehiclehistory.gov website.

How much will it cost to obtain NMVTIS information on a vehicle?

Cost for NVMTIS vehicle history reports vary & are determined by individual service providers. The Anti-Car Theft Act requires that the system be funded through user fees & not dependent on federal funds. For this reason, NMVTIS has been designed as a fee-for-service system.

What's included in my VIN report?

General Information, such as the Summary, Vehicle Specs, Title Information and more!

Decoding...

What is a Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN)?

A vehicle indentification Number (VIN) is a unique set of digits that si made up of 17 characters (numbers and letters). A VIN is assigned to each vehicle, and a VIN check can be completed on any car.

Where to fin the VIN?

In the car

On the panel under the glass, on the rack at the front door, under the hood, etc.

New York Vehicle History Reports

What is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique set of digits that comprises 17 characters (numbers and letters). A unique VIN is assigned to each vehicle, and a VIN check can be completed on any car. DMV locations use this number to record New York VIN history on all registered vehicles. A NY car history report is generated and found through the use of VIN numbers, and it will provide you with all the information you need before purchasing a used car.

Did You Know? New York prohibits the possession of a vehicle that has a Vehicle Identification Number concealed, removed, defaced, altered or destroyed.

Where can I find my car’s VIN information?

A VIN number record can be found on:

The driver’s side door, a sticker or a metal plate.

The lower corner of the windshield, on the driver's side of the vehicle.

Your vehicle title and registration.

Your insurance card.

How to Check VIN Numbers

A New York VIN check can be completed by visiting a nearby DMV office, or as a more convenient option, by conducting a VIN number search online. To perform a NY VIN lookup and get a vehicle history report, drivers must have the VIN of the vehicle in question. A car history report is a detailed document that provides information about the history of a car, boat, truck or RV.

By performing a New York car registration check, you will learn details about the history of the car, including information a seller may initially not told you about.

How do I get a vehicle history record?

You can download the most up-to-date vehicle records with instaVIN®, or visit your local DMV. A comprehensive VIN history report will protect you from any foul play from a seller, such as: reversing the odometer, not disclosing previous repairs, or hiding accidents that may have damaged the frame of the vehicle.

instaVIN®’s direct link to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVITS) allows them to provide you with the most extensive report in real time.

Many states legally require used car buyers to purchase a vehicle history report before buying the vehicle. instaVIN® also offers reports for motorcycles, classic cars, heavy trucks and recreational vehicles. Click here to order a report.

Your instaVIN® vehicle history and title report will include:

Current State of Title Information

Historical Title Information

Disclosure of Brand History on Title

Flood

Salvage

Odometer Rollback

61 Possible Problem Events

Odometer Information

Information on Previous Accidents

Open Lien/Loan Information Including: Issuing Financial Institution

Impound & Towing Events

Active Theft Data

Information Found on a Vehicle History Report

During the process of looking up a New York vehicle history report (VHR), you will receive vital information about your car’s history, including:

Title Data

Obtain information about the current title holder, as well as learn about the number of past owners the car has had. You will also be informed about the most up-to-date odometer reading of the current title.

Registration Data

A car registration check will be performed when you order a vehicle history report. This also applies to RV VIN checks or motorcycle VIN checks, as both are also considered vehicles. Complete a vehicle registration search to get a history of where and who the car has been registered to.

Liens and Loans

Should there be any liens or loans on the vehicle, a car reg check will reveal this information. Note that a lien may require you to transfer the loan specifics to your name or provide proof that it has been paid for in full.

Odometer Mileage

An odometer reading is taken anytime a car registration check is conducted in New York. A vehicle history report includes this specific reading.

Accident Reports

Whether it is for a motorcycle VIN lookup or a standard vehicle VIN check, a NY vehicle history report also contains accident-related information. It is crucial to know if a vehicle has been involved in any accidents, as this may affect the life and safety of an automobile.

Why Should I Check A Car’s VIN?

Drivers who would like to purchase a used car are encouraged to run a vehicle history report and complete a VIN number check. Additionally, New York allows you to find out the status of a car title with a Vehicle Identification Number. By conducting a VIN check online, you will obtain information about any past mishaps the vehicle may have had, thus saving you time, money and aggravation. Ultimately, a Vehicle Identification Number lookup also ensures a smooth sale.

How to Sell Your Car With a VIN Number Check

Smart buyers will obtain a car history report before making a purchase. By providing a New York VIN check to prospective buyers, they will see you as a reputable seller. When selling your vehicle, you can then effectively address any questions or concerns regarding the sale, and also get closer to your asking price.

How to Check VIN Numbers as a Buyer

Consider checking a car history before purchasing a used car. A vehicle history report will show you any and all details you need to know before finalizing or stopping a sale. Ask the seller for the VIN and run your own car history check. A stolen vehicle check and a car recall check are part of a VHR.

If You Cannot Locate the VIN

If you are experiencing difficulties getting a New York VIN number check, or you cannot run a vehicle history report, then it is in your best interest to seek another vehicle. Since 1981, all cars contain a VIN, so the absence of one, may indicate fraud or theft.

Note: New York is a state that participates with the National Motor Vehicle Information System and provides vehicle data details, as well as inquires certain information (such as if the vehicle is reported stolen), prior to issuing car titles.